What's blooming: Fall-blooming hydrangea one to add to your collection

The unique Hydrangea involucrata Blue Bunny provides nice color for late summer and fall. Known as a "bracted" hydrangea, it is named for the modified leaves — or bracts — that cover the flower buds before blooming.

Bracted Hydrangea

Botanical name: Hydrangea involucrata Blue Bunny

Attributes: Hydrangea involucrata Blue Bunny, a unique cultivar within the large genus Hydrangea, is a desirable one to add to your collection. The species is native to Japan and Taiwan. The late Wim Rutten of the Netherlands developed this cultivar, which only recently has become available in this country.

The species name "involucrata" describes the bracts (the set of modified leaves) that cover the flower buds before opening. These large, peony-like buds, interesting with their light gray, downy texture, cover the plant for days before finally opening.

The lavender blue lacecap flowers that unfold are distinctive, lasting from late August through fall. The color of the blooms is not affected by the pH of the soil, as is the case with other hydrangea types.

Hydrangea Blue Bunny has a mounding habit, 3 to 4 feet in height and spreading 3 to 5 feet. Deciduous and hardy in zones 6-9 (which includes the Mid-South), the plant's unusual fuzzy green foliage adds texture to the planting area.

Growing tips: A low-maintenance plant, this hydrangea is easy to grow. It can be planted in part-sun to sun, but sun tolerance is probably better in the more northern zones of its range. Our Southern heat is always a consideration, and Blue Bunny seems to be happier with more shade at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. It was added during our woodland garden renovation three years ago, in a sunnier spot near the entrance guard gate.

Blooming on new wood, it can be pruned in late fall or early spring. (Hydrangeas that bloom on old wood must be pruned immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year's flowers.) Lightly prune if needed for shaping after flowering, or leave the flower heads for architectural interest. It tolerates being cut back to the ground in early spring, and an application of fertilizer at this time will produce the best flower display.

Blue Bunny appreciates rich, evenly moist soil with good drainage, as do all hydrangeas. It has average water needs, but supplemental watering will be necessary in extremely hot weather.

Landscape value: Hydrangea Blue Bunny is shade tolerant, blooming well under trees or in shady borders and mixed beds. It can be planted in containers, but is most effective planted in drifts or hedges. The long and reliable flowering period provides good end-of-summer and autumn color, and the blooms are desirable for drying. They are also attractive to butterflies.

Cost and availability: Hydrangea Blue Bunny is available from online nurseries in quart to gallon sizes for $16 to $27.